Early-literacy has been identified as a major area of concern for the city, and Nashville Public Library is the only institution in town providing in-depth early-literacy programs on a large scale, free of charge. 

Literacy shapes life. Children who are not reading on grade level by third grade have been shown to struggle throughout their school years. Adults who cannot read experience worse health outcomes and longer-term poverty than those who are literate. Nashville Public Library provides multiple options for lifelong learning to all Nashvillians at each of its 21 locations. 

Whether its access to traditional, electronic, or audio books, NPL has a vast collection of resources in English as well as other languages spoken in the community. Beyond books, it provides the services to assist readers in gaining the skills and proficiency to access them.